HUGE Coffee Table Book: Art of Ancient Egypt by Kazimierz Michalowski, 1969 Abrams, 600-Page Illustrated Masterpiece!

A substantial and beautifully illustrated survey of ancient Egyptian art by Polish archaeologist and Egyptologist Kazimierz Michalowski, published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc. in New York. This English edition was translated and adapted from the Polish and French by Norbert Guterman and dates to 1969. The book is a large 10” x 12.5” volume with 600 pages.

Michalowski takes a broad chronological and historical approach to Egyptian art, beginning with the earliest periods and following its development through the pharaonic era and into the Roman and Christian periods. The book discusses Egyptian painting, sculpture, and architecture in their historical and cultural contexts, making it more than simply a collection of photographs. It also considers the history of archaeological exploration and changing understanding of ancient Egypt.

The book is particularly impressive for its wealth of visual material. The 600 pages contain hundreds of illustrations, including extensive black-and-white imagery as well as 143 color plates, along with drawings, maps, plans, and charts. The illustrations range from monumental architecture and sculpture to painting, reliefs, and smaller works of Egyptian art. It is the sort of large-format art book that works equally well as a display piece, a reference volume, and as something to simply spend time looking through.

The book’s cover has moderate wear and some staining. The original cover design included a photograph of an Egyptian artwork mounted on the front, and that pasted-on photograph is now missing. The interior is in great condition, with the pages and extensive illustrations clean and well preserved. There is also a very light tobacco odor.